Top Tips for Choosing Low Carb Fast Food Options

Low carb fast food is hard to come by. Most offerings are full of carbs, whether in the bun, crust, breading, condiments or, of course, fries. As a general rule, it’s best to prepare and eat meals at home, but sometimes the need for convenience or affordability demands you eat fast food. Fortunately, low carb fast food options do exist. We’ve outlined some of our top picks below.

These fast food items are the best options to maintain your low carb diet. Fast food is high in calories or trans fats; therefore, it’s not recommended to make fast food a staple of your diet. However, when you’re on the road or need a low-cost meal, the tips and options below will help you stay low carb.

General Tips for Ordering Low Carb Fast Food

Skip the Bun: Some establishments let you order a burger wrapped in lettuce leaves, or you can always remove the bun and eat the inside with a fork.

Avoid Fried Food: Some chains now offer grilled, broiled, or roasted chicken that’s neither battered or breaded. In a pinch, peel the battered skin off of a piece of fried chicken or fish and eat only the meat. Limit french fries, which are high in trans fats and studies show may trigger cravings for more.

Get Dressing on the Side: Sauces and salad dressings may be full of sugar or corn syrup. Check the ingredients, have it on the side, or even bring your own.

Fill Up on Veggies: Head to the salad bar, or choose a salad from the menu. Top your salad with proteins like ham or chicken and healthy fats, such as sunflower seeds.

Watch Portions: Share your meal with friends, or portion out half when your food arrives, leaving the other half to take home.

Low Carb Fast Food Restaurants & Meals

Below is a list of fast food suggestions on what to order and what to avoid when low carb dieting. Remember that the best approach is to make up your mind before you go and stick to your guns. Check out our Mobile Carb Counter & Meal Tracker App to help formulate your game plan before arriving at a restaurant.

Thumbs Down: Any of the burritos, tacos, or quesadillas – due to the high carb wraps. Also avoid chips, corn salsa, sofritos, beans and rice. Be cautious not to add on too many “extras” - as they do add up quickly.